Important COVID-19 Exposure and Testing Information Update:

 

With the increase in Coronavirus cases in Georgia along with increased demand for testing, we would like to clarify what defines an exposure to COVID-19. The CDC defines an exposure as an individual who has had close contact (less than 6 feet) for greater than or equal to 15 minutes to a person with COVID-19. This is regardless of whether masks were worn by either person. If either one or both people involved were wearing a mask then the risk of contracting the virus is greatly decreased. If you or a family member has been exposed, the CDC recommends all family members stay home for 5 days after the last known exposure, maintain social distancing within your home from other family members as much as possible, and monitor for the onset of symptoms.

If your child has been exposed to COVID-19 or has symptoms concerning for COVID-19 infection, please call the office at 770-751-6111 for an appointment. We are now offering COVID-19 nasal PCR testing via Life Hope Labs by appointment only. Your child will be evaluated by one of our providers to determine if any other additional tests are needed in addition to COVID-19 testing. By partnering with Life Hope labs this has given us the ability to get results within 24-48 hours of testing. We are only able to test our pediatric patients at this time (no parents or caregivers).

We offer testing for:

  1. COVID-19 Exposure
  2. Signs of illness/Suspected COVID
  3. Clearance to return to work/ school

Please be advised:

Do not go right away for COVID-19 testing after exposure because it is important to recognize that testing has limitations. Testing only shows active infection at that moment in time. Tests may be negative during the early incubation period (also known as a False Negative) which does not preclude someone testing Positive later within the 10 day period.

  1. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are at home on quarantine, we do not recommend testing until Day 5 of quarantine. This helps prevent False Negative test results from “testing too early” after exposure. If your COVID PCR test is Negative on day 5, then your quarantine period may end.
  2. If you are showing signs of illness, we recommend waiting for 48 hours of symptoms before testing. If you are Positive for COVID- you will need to stay home for 5 days from the start of your Symptoms.
  3. Once you have been tested, we urge you to stay home until you have results.
  4. If you do not want to get tested but have been exposed and have no symptoms, then we recommend a full 10 day quarantine. If you are having symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, body aches, etc…) then we recommend a full 10 day quarantine.
  5. If you have tested Positive for COVID, and it has been 10 days or longer and you have improving symptoms and are fever free, we do not recommend repeat testing for a “Negative” test to return to school, sports, or work. It is possible for people to continue to test Positive on PCR for up to 90 days after initial infection in some cases even though they are no longer sick or contagious.

Please help decrease the spread of coronavirus by wearing a mask, washing your hands, and practicing social distancing whenever possible.

Sincerely,

The Preston Ridge Team